SUPER DTP postgraduate researchers (PGRs) are encouraged to undertake an internship during the course of their studies to support their personal and career development.
Internships undertaken as part of the SUPER DTP are intended to generate mutual benefit between students and host organisations and to enhance the quality or impact of research.
The SUPER DTP internships guidance document outlines more information for PGRs and host organisations about internship benefits, suggested timings, funding, suspension of studies, and how to find, or set up, internships.
Another useful resource is a guide to gaining work experience outside academia from Vitae, The researcher on placement.
Experiences
SUPER PGRs share their experiences of undertaking an internship:
- Victoria Gillman: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2023.
- Callum Hamilton: Rastech, 2023.
- Sophie Smith: Deutsches Meeremuseum Stralsund, 2023.
- Charlotte Lee: MiAlgae, 2023.
- Izzy Langley: SMRU Consulting, 2023.
- Jack Sheehy: JNCC, 2021.
- Lydia McGill: NatureScot, 2020.
Current Opportunities
Below are internship opportunities or short fixed-term vacancies that the SUPER team have found. If they do not suit, you can source your own opportunities by defining what you are looking for and making approaches to relevant organisations. The list of SUPER DTP associate partners is a useful reference for possible organisations to contact.
Those with Deadlines
Kent Wildlife Trust Coast Explorer Intern
This internship programme is funded by The Crown Estate, managed by Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants (part of the Kent Wildlife Trust Group), and run in partnership with Vattenfall and Canterbury City Council. Each partner organisation provides opportunities to develop skills in specialist areas including marine conservation, climate change, renewable energy, social sustainability, seabed leasing and marine planning. The successful intern will follow a varied programme that will allow them to gain a range of essential skills developed through a variety of work-based experience and training; undertaking research projects and communicating outcomes, learning about renewable energy development and environmental issues, scientific surveys, using GIS, understanding environmental casework, and delivering marine awareness activities. This is a full time internship for 6 months, June to December 2024, paid at £25,642.50 per annum pro rata, and based across Maidstone and London. Find out more on the KWT website. The deadline for applications is Friday 12 April.
Scottish Invasive Species Initiative Seasonal Project Officers x4
The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative is a project in northern Scotland which aims to encourage communities to tackle invasive non-native species. The Seasonal Project Officer will work across a specified catchment area and will be responsible for all or specified combinations of the following aspects: communications, education and outreach, volunteer recruitment and management, biosecurity and invasive species control. There are four positions available as either a full or part-time, fixed-term position for 6 months, May to October 2024, paid at £23,000 per annum pro rata, and based in either Aberdeenshire, Brecon, Moray, or Aberlour. Find out more on the SISI website. The deadline for applications is 1.00 pm on Wednesday 24 April.
North Wales Wildlife Trust Marine Futures North Wales Internships x2
The internship programme is funded by The Crown Estate, managed by North Wales Wildlife Trust, and run in partnership with The Crown Estate, M-SParc, and Menter Môn. Each partner organisation provides opportunities for the intern to develop skills in specialist areas including, marine conservation advice, sustainable fisheries, renewable energy development, marine policy, and community engagement. Through the programme the intern will be offered experience and a balanced view on a career in the marine environment and how different sectors can work together. The intern will get the chance to undertake an independent research project focussing on a topic that is relevant to all partners. Additional activities will include stakeholder engagement, creating virtual educational outreach materials and ecological fieldwork. There are two full time internships for 6 months, June to December 2024, paid £12 per hour, and based in Bangor, North Wales. Find out more on the NWWT website. The deadline for applications is 11.59 pm on Friday 26 April.
The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) Internship Programme
The NAMMCO programme gives PGRs/ECRs an opportunity to enhance their experience in international environment management, improve their skills, and learn more about NAMMCO and its activities. Interns will gain experience and knowledge of the daily operations of NAMMCO as an intergovernmental organisation providing environmental management advice. Particularly, but not only, NAMMCO are seeking applicants interested in the topic of marine mammal-fisheries interactions and willing to participate in the assessment of the by-catch risk posed by different fisheries on marine mammals in the NAMMCO management areas. This is a full time, fixed term internship for between 9-12 months, based in Tromsø, Norway. You will receive a stipend of NOK 10,000 /mnth (~736), a paid-for bus card, phone subscription, and reimbursed travel cost return to Tromsø. Find out more on the NAMMCO website. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 30 April.
Paragon One Marine and Community Conservation Remote Externship
Overfishing, offshore drilling, ocean acidification, or the loss of coral reefs may feel distant, but this externship will translate marine conservation into a local context. Learn how to make marine issues relevant to any community and identify solutions. Participants will explore marine conservation careers, interact with experts and scientists from the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy, conduct research, and connect with local conservation organizations. This is a part time (10 hr/wk), fully remote externship for 8 weeks from June, open to 18-25 yo. A $500 stipend will be paid on completion. Find out more on the Paragon One website. The deadline for application is Monday 6 May.
Seafish Field Researchers x5
As a Field Researcher, you’ll be gathering data for the annual Seafish survey of the UK fishing fleet, visiting different ports and harbours to collect socio-economic information from fishermen, vessel owners, and skippers. This role is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the UK’s seafood sector and a chance for you to contribute to publications by sharing insights gleaned from engaging directly with those involved in the industry. This is a full time, fixed-term position for 10/12 weeks between July and September, paid at £22,942 per annum pro rata. The Seafish offices are based in Edinburgh, but this role requires a lot of travel. Find out more on the Seafish website. The deadline for application is Monday 6 May.
The Lower Ure Conservation Trust Project Intern
The candidate will assist with the delivery of the National Lottery Heritage Fund project ‘Ure Connected – Engaging People with Nature in the Lower Ure Valley’. The project’s aim is to increase capacity for nature conservation and restoration on under-managed Priority Habitats in the area while also increasing engagement with the local community. This role will include habitat management, ecological surveying and maintenance of reserve infrastructure and hides as well as helping to run a programme of events for adults & families, educational sessions for school children and community workdays. This is a part-time internship for 8 months, paid at £11.44/hr and based in Nosterfield Nature Reserve, North Yorkshire. Find out more on the LUCT website. The deadline for application is Sunday 12 May.
Open Recruitment
UKRI Research Exchange and Internship Opportunities
The UKRI provides year-round opportunities for SUPER DTP PGRs, as doctoral students funded by the Natural Environmental Research Council, to undertake a placement or internship. Find out more on the UKRI website.
The Technology Partnership Industry Internships
TTP is an independent technology company where scientists, engineers, and designers collaborate to invent and develop new products and technologies. Your internship will see you putting your technical and research skills to work within a commercially focused environment; providing the opportunity to experience how your academic knowledge and skillsets could be utilised within an industry setting. Flexible length of programme, usually between 3 to 6 months. Internships are paid. Find out more on the TTP website.
People’s Trust for Endangered Species Student Internship
The PTES Wildlife Conservation Internship Programme began in 2001. Since then over 90 young people have benefitted, working on practical projects helping hedgehogs, water voles, pine martens, bats, adders, bottlenose dolphins, numerous butterflies and a host of other species. Internships range from full time for 6 months, up to 18 months part-time. A grant of up to £5,000 is available to support living costs whilst the work is undertaken. Find out more on the PTES website.
The United Nations Internship Programme
The UN offers internships across multiple departments in locations worldwide. Internships last for at least two and can be as long as six months and are unpaid, but some support is available through your TSG. Find out more on the UN website and apply for open positions. Apply for the UN Environment Programme specifically here.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Policy Internships
Successful interns will provide support to OECD Policy Analysts in one of many areas, including climate, energy, and science and technology. Typical tasks include:
- participating in the preparation of studies and documents, carrying out research and reviews of existing materials;
- collecting, organising, and analysing data;
- contributing to the production of documents, working papers and publications resulting from the above activities, including drafting notes and preparing technical annexes, and;
- liaising and building networks with officials in national administrations, researchers, other international organisations and member country Delegations.
The majority of internships are based in Paris, France and are full time for 1 to 6 months. Interns receive a contribution to living expenses of ~700€/mnth. Find our more on the OECD website.
STEM Ambassador Programme
The STEM Ambassador programme through STEM Learning is flexible, allowing you to volunteer in a way that suits you, it could be online or in person, in schools or in community groups, by supporting lessons or extra-curricular activities and working with young people or their educators. STEM Ambassadors make an impact by:
- Supporting learning – help young people to understand the real world applications of their learning.
- Illuminating careers – showcase different careers, providing information on roles and pathways into industry while raising awareness of the skills that are important in the workplace.
- Raising aspirations – give young people the opportunity to meet a wide range of inspiring role models, encouraging them as they think about their future.
Find out more on the STEM Learning website.